Chocolate Pistachio Cannolis(Makes 12 Cannolis)
Chocolate Pistachio Cannolis offer a delightful combination of creamy ricotta filling, rich milk chocolate, and crunchy pistachio nuts in crisp cannoli shells. Perfect for special occasions or entertaining, this dessert delivers a luxurious blend of textures and flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (11 1/2 oz.) package (1 cup) Nestle Toll House milk chocolate morsels ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) container ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 (3 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sifted confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped citron ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 12 prepared 5-inch cannoli shells ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachio nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the milk chocolate morsels over hot (not boiling) water and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, beat the ricotta cheese until smooth.
- Add the softened cream cheese, confectioners sugar, chopped citron, and vanilla extract.
- Beat the mixture well until combined.
- Blend in the cooled melted chocolate morsels.
- Spoon the filling into the prepared cannoli shells.
- Dip the ends of each cannoli into finely chopped pistachio nuts.
- Chill the assembled cannolis until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the filling. If you don't have pistachios, almonds or hazelnuts can be used as a substitute. Ensure the ricotta is well-drained to prevent a watery filling. For a twist, try adding orange zest for a citrusy note, which complements the chocolate beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chocolate pistachio cannolis as a delightful dessert after a hearty Italian meal, such as Jim Bennett's Lasagne. They pair well with a light dessert wine or espresso. For an elegant presentation, dust with extra confectioners sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cannolis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their crunch, it's best to fill the shells just before serving. If they become soft, you can re-crisp them in a warm oven for a few minutes, but be cautious not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Pistachio Cannolis(Makes 12 Cannolis) contains roughly 278 calories, with 11g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it's recommended to fill the cannoli shells just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for ricotta, you can use mascarpone cheese for a creamier texture or cottage cheese that has been blended until smooth. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly.
Can I freeze the cannoli shells?
Yes, you can freeze the empty cannoli shells for up to a month. Make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Just remember to fill them with the filling after thawing to keep them crunchy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).